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Research Article

Single Dose Darbepoetin Alfa is Useful in Reducing Red Cell Transfusions in Leukemic Children Receiving Chemotherapy

, , , , , & show all
Pages 442-447 | Received 17 Mar 2013, Accepted 09 Jul 2013, Published online: 02 Oct 2013
 

Abstract

The role of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in the management of chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA) is becoming increasingly recognized in the field of medical oncology, with paucity of data in pediatrics. We evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a single-dose darbepoetin alfa, a long-acting ESA, given to 35 pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) children during induction chemotherapy. Compared to a retrospective control group, the studied patients have required significantly less units of packed red blood cells (0.88 units/patient in the studied group versus 2.04 units in controls), with no major side effects. We recommend further prospective double-blinded studies with more tailored dosing regimens in pediatric ALL cases and solid tumors.

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